Archive for the ‘Humor’ Category

Fare Well by Penny Piva ~ Tour Review

Posted: March 25, 2013 in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Literature, New Release, reviews
Tags: , , ,
2

FareWellBanner

Welcome to my stop on the tour for Fare Well by Penny Piva hosted be Good Choice Reading Promotions .

I’m celebrating this newest release with my review.

Let’s get to know Madeleine.

Fare Well

goodreads-badge-add-plus

Available on Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Description

Thrown together at the funeral of a mutual friend, Madeleine’s three closest friends come from different parts of her life –her childhood, her former job, and a failed relationship. Tragedy and their fondness for Madeleine bring them together. Their fondness for each other forges new friendships that strengthen through sickness, a bad marriage, a crack in a seemingly-perfect life, and an unplanned pregnancy.

Through this all, Madeleine must overcome the pain of her former relationship and the loss of a once-successful career. With memories of her childhood friendship and her beloved nana running through her mind, she learns to live for the future—a new guy, a new job, and renewed, honest relationships

My Review

When I first met Madeleine, she was at a former co-workers funeral. Her and Amy used to teach at the same school.

Madeleine used to envy Amy for her size zero figure and her bubbling, genuinely caring personality. Never would she have imagined her being murdered. Now she’s at her house, listening to the comments usually spoken at these things, and hanging out by the food tables.

That’s where she is as she encounters each of her friends. Each one from a different time or place in her life. Seems they all feel a bit lost.

Madeline takes you on a journey, flashing back and forth to different remembrances in her life as she starts a new one. She’s sent her boyfriend Rob to California to pursue his dream, ending a nine-year relationship. She quit her teaching job of ten years. Now she’s alone, jobless, and at a loss. She’s also afraid.

Afraid of what the future holds, what new symptoms will appear.

She can’t tell her friends about her illness.

‘It wasn’t something she really wanted to reveal to anyone. Her mother hovering and her dad looking at her differently, like she might just break if pushed too hard or too far was more than enough. She wanted to be the same to everyone. She wanted her friends to treat her the same as always, obnoxiously or nicely…’

‘She’d keep up the secrets and lies.’

She wonders about Rose, her ex-beau’s mother, and why she’s injected herself into her circle of friends. What could she be up to? Is she just lonely?

Are they all just lonely? It seems like they are all needing each other and it seems like food is always a part of it. I guess that’s why they call it ‘comfort food.’

It’s not all serious. There are some lighter moments. Here’s a funny scene I really liked, and yep, it’s got food in it?

Ellen and Madeleine

“Please, my grandmother messes up frozen dinners. Can you imagine the pain she’d cause Mother Nature if we gave her real food to cook?”

“It’s a wonder you didn’t starve to death when you were a kid,” Madeleine joked.

“Why do you think I was always over here even when you weren’t? I was hungry! Thank God I learned how to drive so now I can forage for my own food.”

“At McDonald’s.”

“I’ve never been much of a hunter or a gatherer.’

women cooking photo: retro vintage kitchen women ad cooking baking girl retrodow_1952_plastic_0.jpg

As you get to know Madeleine and her friends. you’ll learn they all have secrets.

I wanted to know what was going on with her friend Maria, what wasn’t she telling? Why was she sad?

And her friend Ellen, the policewoman. Why was she acting weird? What was she hiding?

How long could these friends keep hiding? Who would break and tell their secret first?

As their secrets were revealed, I felt connected, I shared their worries and their pain. They became as friends to me and I wanted everything to be okay for them. I wanted them to be happy.

Four Stars for this moving sojourn of friendship.

About Penny Piva

FareWellButton

Lives in Massachusetts with The Chef.

Teaches writing at several universities.

Laughs every single day.

Does not like olives or blue cheese or sushi.

Studied pastry arts at a superior university.

Only listens to audio books in the car when driving.

Eats pasta every Sunday (house rules).

Loves visiting New York City, Disney World, and Italy.

Has a fun website at www.PennyPiva.com.

Amazon

Goodreads

Twitter

New Cover for Shattered Edge by A.M. Hargrove ~ So Perty!

Posted: February 21, 2013 in Contemporary Romance, Cover Reveal, Humor, Mytery/Thriller, New Release, reviews, Series, Steamy Romance
Tags: , ,
12

Shattered Edge gets a new cover…

goodreads-badge-add-plus
So, you might be thinking you’re seeing things, but you’re not. I decided on a change that was more of a representation of the main character of the book. Just wanted to show it off to you!
.

Go here for my review.

Five Steamy Stars!

You can read about Alexia and Pearce in Edge of Disaster.

Edge of Disaster

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

Description

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Go here to read my review.

About the author and her books.
.

A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.” “Boss, is that you?” “Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?” “Er… right.  Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.” “Why ever would I want to do that?” “Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?” “Sure… Having some car trouble?” “Not at all.  I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.” “WHAT?!” “It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Author links:

   Blog        http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/
   Twitter      http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

Goodreads   http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

Click on images to purchase the books

 The Guardians of Vesturon Series

The Praestani Novels

More books by A. M. Hargrove

Related articles

Giveaway and Secret Guest ~ Shhh! Did you hear that?

Posted: February 18, 2013 in Action/Adventure, Creatures, giveaways, horror, Humor, Mystery, otherworldly, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Series, Short stories and collections, YA
Tags: , , , , ,
53

Today’s post is going to be a little different!

I won Shadow of the Oak by Eric Edstrom from a giveaway on Sherry’s blog fundinmental.

I’ve read his Undermountain Saga and this is a bit different.

Young folks and us older folks will love this first chapter in the Sal Van Sleen Series. I did!

For today I am doing an interview with Cole, my son. He read the book and we had a lively discussion about it. He’s 18 years old and I thought it would be fun for you, the readers, to get both of out thoughts about it.

To add to the fun, Eric is offering three paperbacks to three lucky winners! You can enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. But don’t skip ahead. This interview is fun!

Shadow of the Oak (A Sal Van Sleen Adventure)

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

Mushkobewun, WI, 1986

My name is Sal Van Sleen. I live in Boringsville, Wisconsin, also known as Mushkobewun. To give you an idea of how little is going on in this town, consider that my friend Billy and I pretty much spend our summers messing around at the Little Hickory dam.

Exciting, huh?

That was until my girlfriend’s little sister, Chrissy, got abducted by a nasty, supernatural … thing.

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t just let something like that go…

My Review

I felt like a kid again! Eric’s written a story that takes you back. For me, way back! I used to hang out at a decrepit bridge on the bank of a creek near my house when I was young.

I still remember the sounds of water tumbling over rocks, seeing butterflies and dragonflies flitting through the tall reeds. And the cattails, oh those glorious cattails. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on those. Used to whack each other with them and come home with fluffy white seeds all in our hair.

What we didn’t have was the thing in this book. It’s mean and nasty and not to be toyed with.

When it attacks Chrissy, she ends up contaminated by it and is lying in the hospital.What started as a fun day at the dam, discussing comic book strategies, becomes a journey to capture or kill the creature, and hopefully find a cure for Chrissy.

I really enjoyed the interaction between Sal, Billy, and Becca.They are very different from each other, and while that causes friction at times, they do stick together where it matters. True friends through thick and thin.

Once Billy and Becca believe Sal’s story of the creature, they put their heads together and come up with a plan that lands them in the pickle of all time!

I loved this story. I want more!

And now, enjoy the interview!

So tell me Cole, how did you like Shadow of the Oak?

Cole:  I thought it was great! It read really fast and felt like I was watching a movie, something like Goose Bumps.

Me:  I loved it too. I could see it all so clearly. Wish you could have seen the creek where I grew up. You’d really get a sense of the area these guys hung out at and how easily you could believe in this creature being there.

Is there a character you liked the most and why?

Cole:  Yes, Billy. He felt like the most complex of the trio. Liked his view of Becca changing, changing…throughout the book.

Me:  I’d have to say Sal. He stuck to his guns about the creature, even when his friends didn’t believe him. Also, I had fun watching him fumble around with his crush on Becca.

What made you laugh?

Cole:  Billy, when he was designing the dresses instead of working on the comic books.

Me: That was funny. What made me laugh was Becca and how she knew these two boys way better than they thought.

Was it a fast read? Easy to follow?

Cole: Yes, very fast and creative. Read it in about an hour and didn’t want it to end yet.

Me: Yeah, took me about that long too. It just flew by and now I wish I could rush over to Amazon and get more!

What was your favorite part?

Cole:  When the monster started to go up…oops, can’t tell you that.

Me:  I know! That was crazy. I remember you saying how hopeless the situation was.

Would you read more of this series?

Cole:  Yep. I’m curious as to what could possibly happen after the Chupacabra incident.

Me:  Me too. Wonder what kind of pickle they could get into next.

What would you like to see happen in the next book?

Cole:  I would like to see how Sal’s dad could be thrown into the mix.

Me:  Good one. He does seem to share something special, almost secret, with Sal. As for me, I’d like to see something happen at the dam again, maybe some kind of sea monster the next time.

Cole’s rating ~ 5 Chups!

       

My rating ~ 5 Chupies!

       

Well, there you have it folks! We both agree on some things and definitely agree that we loved the book!

Giveaway

Eric has offered three paperbacks for my giveaway!

US Only. Sorry to my International friends.

To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question, Can you remember the first book you read?”

Giveaway ends Feb. 28th.

Thank you and Good Luck!

Wait a minute!

This just in!

Eric has a sale going on right now on Amazon!

You can purchase Undermountain, the first book in The Undermountain Saga, for 99 cents right now on Amazon!

And another thing!

He’s also having a giveaway on Goodreads!

 Book Giveaway

Winners will get all three books!

UndermountainCover

The UndermountaiN Saga by Eric Edstrom

Giveaway ends March 18, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

About the Author

Eric Edstrom

Eric is an author, songwriter, husband, father, and guitarist. He is the author of Undermountain, Afterlife and Starkiller, the YA science fiction series The Undermountain Saga.

Eric loves working out with kettlebells and eating pretty much anything with peanut butter.

Eric has a featured article just published: http://www.kalkion.com/news/1736/scie…

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5408492.Eric_Edstrom

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ekedstrom

Facebook.com/erickentedstrom

www.ericedstrom.com

Books by Eric Edstrom.

Click on the covers to purchase.

Sal Van Sleen Series

Undermountain Saga

Book Two in The Famished Trilogy ~ Check this out!

Posted: February 16, 2013 in Action/Adventure, Adult Fiction, apocalypse, Cover Reveal, Dark Fantasy, horror, Humor, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Series, Zombies
Tags: , , , ,
6

Taking on the Dead Series by Annie Walls

The Famished Trilogy

I’m so excited!

Contolling the Dead, Book Two in the Famished Trilogy, is coming soon!

I loved Taking on the Dead and Kansas stole my heart!

Check out the cover art. Doesn’t it just grab you and make you want to rush out and get this.

Hope to have it in my hands soon!

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

With the help of her new companions, the path Kansas follows leads to more knowledge of the ever adapting famished.

The team finds help in unlikely places, meeting more survivors, and discovers the possibility of a new beginning.
When the team experiences a devastating loss, Kansas struggles to keep her humanity from fading and distorting like that of the surviving society around her. It begins with knowing who to trust and who to leave behind. First, she must trust herself – she won’t make the same mistakes twice.
As the answers to her questions are revealed, Kansas begins to understand the knowledge comes with a heavy price and great responsibility of controlling the dead.
In a trilogy plot thick with twists and turns, this adult dark fantasy is as emotional as it is horrifyingly gripping.

Check out this cool trailer!

~

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXQS95eJsME]

~

I have to have this! Gimme! Gimme!

Check out Annie’s Blog for more about The Famished Trilogy.

Earlier, I read Taking on the Dead, the first book in this amazing series. I’m going to go ahead and repost my review so you don’t have to leave this page!

I really wanted to hurry and get this read for release day, but I forced myself to take my time. I did not want to miss one tiny bit of it!

Taking on the Dead (The Famished Trilogy, #1)

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

I love the grainy image of the cover. It sets the tone for the story and this girl is perfect for the protagonist, Kansas. I am loving her dreadlocks and she knows how to use that machete, as you will see when you read Taking on the Dead!

Let’s get to the book shall we?

So here you are at the carnival, walking hand in hand with your boyfriend, anticipating a night of rides and games, taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells. Suddenly, zombies are everywhere, and you are in for the fight of your life.

That’s what happened to Kansas. She survived that night, but paid a heavy price.

Fast forward to four years later. Kansas City Sunshine Moore, also known as Kansas or Kan for short,  has been surviving, hiding out in her family’s underground bunk all alone. A betrayal by a group of people she offered shelter to forces her to leave her home and search for a new one. She quickly discovers there is much she doesn’t know about the zombies. There are the fresh ones, the Famished, and they are very fast and strong. What else doesn’t she know? She has been secluded for four years and now it looks like that wasn’t the smartest thing to do.

The first time Kansas meets Rudy, they don’t actually meet. With the long reach of his compound bow, he helps clear zombies from her path, but Kan is still wary of strangers and jumps in her car and races away. It’s a good thing Rudy decides to follow her, because the next time they meet he saves her life.

Kan comes to in the back of Rudy’s van. Well actually, it is an armored truck, the kind used to transport money, and it’s perfect for keeping out the pesky zombies. It can also mow them down easily. After a brief scuffle, Rudy convinces her he means no harm. Through conversation, Kan learns about the Famished, the dangerously fast zombies, and how different they are from the others. She learns a lot about what’s been happening while she was isolated in her bunker the first four years. Staying with Rudy, at least for now, is her best bet.

My thoughts and Ramblins

I’m going to warn you, I feel this story is for the older reading audience. There are no graphic sexual scenes but there is some mature content.

I love my zombies and I sure did get plenty of them in Taking on the Dead. I also got one heck of a great story about survival and humanity, and the lack of it. Not everyone that survives is nice, just like before the apocalypse. The characters are diverse and all too human.

Of course, there is some romance in the story. It is subtle, creeping up on you, just like it does to Kansas. It is not the focal point, but it definitely makes the story better. Wouldn’t you want someone to have and to hold when your world is overrun with zombies? I know I wouldn’t mind having someone to care about, otherwise, what’s the point of surviving?

Kansas is strong-willed and independent, but not necessarily a loner. Enter Rudy and her life gets complicated. Who could resist a man like him. Strong and gentle, with a large dose of sexiness and endearing humbleness. They are a good fit.

Here are some of my favorite scenes:

I almost elbow Rudy to wake him until I see how he looks when sleeping…Despite all the fighting, his nose is straight. Small scars from past fights etch his skin. A small, wide one dresses his lower lip. One much longer goes from his lower jaw to underneath the chin, his stubble efficiently covering it up. A chipped tooth adorns his bottom row of teeth.  The scar on his right eyebrow no longer allows hair to grow, splitting the eyebrow in half. He might get another scar on his left eyebrow, the cut is scabbed over now, and it’s wider then the scar on his left side. Very small imperfections, not even noticeable unless you look closely. It doesn’t take away from his handsome face. It enhances his masculinity, as if he needs it. The small flaws have history and give him character. Flaws I want to know about, and could grow quite fond of if I’m not careful.

Jesus. This chivalrous barbarian is beautiful. What am I getting myself into?

And of course some humor

“I’m thinking of naming your truck. I must be out of it.” I prop my head on the pillow against the window.

There’s slight amusement across his features. “What did you have in mind?”

“I don’t know. Something domineering and associated with a big ass.” I motion with my hands.

He surprises me by saying, “Agatha. I had a teacher in the sixth grade, and that was her first name. She liked her power over us weaklings and she had a gigantic ass.” He starts laughing and shaking his head as if to clear the thought.

“Yeah, that fits. Agatha.” I say, trying it out.

“She was scary. I was glad when sixth grade was over.” We both laugh at this. I can’t picture him afraid of anything. It feels good to be laughing about something completely stupid. I can see he needed to laugh too.

The humor is well placed throughout the story, lightening the mood and giving you a break from the stress of survival, just as it would in real life. You know the scenes, where the cop makes a joke in poor taste about a victim?  That is a coping mechanism, and everyone needs one. The humor makes this story believable.

In one part Kansas poses an interesting question about zombies. One I am now curious about as well.

Do the souls get stuck to watch and feel their bodies decompose, all the while having an uncontrolled, insatiable craving? I guess that’s why I like killing them, just in case. No one deserves that fate.

There are some colorful characters you’ll be meeting.  There are the good, the bad, and the ugly. They all play their part, keeping you entertained and engaged.

This is my stopping point. I don’t like to tell much about the story past the one-third point. I like to draw you in and get you interested, much the way Annie Walls did to me.

I loved every second I was in it, and yes, it felt like I was a part of it. Fantastic job Annie!

Just one more thing and then you can go get Taking on the Dead.

About the ending!

I was talking to Mandy over on Goodreads. She is right about the ending! That’s all I’m saying.

  Still loving it and feeling it!!

More good news! There are two more books in this series coming out.

Controlling the Dead, Book Two

Living with the Dead, Book Three

Annie Wallsr

About Annie Walls

Author of dark fantasy and sub-genres of horror. Voracious Reader and Googler. Lover of dark humor. Horror Buff. Zombie Apocalypse Enthusiast. Loyal Cracked follower. Pinterest Addict. Wife of adoring husband. Mother of a five year old Bruce Wayne. Cook. Maid. Kisser of boo-boos. Ultimate Time Waster. Perfect Procrastinator. Lolly Gagger. Trubie. Cake Decorator. Tea Drinker. Sculpey Sculptor. Girl Gamer. Perfectionist in the art of Facebook stalking. And now, God help me, a blogger. Oh yeah, and a twitter, twatter, tweeter. Well yeah, I’m one crafty bitch

You can find Annie here:

http://www.AnnieWalls.com

https://www.facebook.com/annie.walls

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5777960.Annie_Walls

http://www.twitter.com/TheAnnieWalls

You can purchase Taking on the Dead by clicking on the cover image below.

Shattered Edge ~ Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Posted: February 15, 2013 in Adult Fiction, Humor, Mystery, New Release, Release day, reviews, Series, Steamy Romance
Tags: , , , ,
5

A.M. Hargrove’s brand “spankin” new release!

Shattered Edge

An Edge Novel

17339105

goodreads-badge-add-plus

I don’t normally use the descriptions for a book. I prefer to write my own. In this instance, I’m going to because I want to spend more time telling you about how I felt after reading Shattered Edge.

Description from Goodreads

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Lets talk.

I hope you like your romance hot and steamy, cause that’s what you’re going to get in this book.

In the first Edge Novel, Edge of Disaster, the heart came first and the racy sex scenes came later.

Not so in Shattered Edge. Once Terri decides to give Justin another chance, it’s right to bed!

I have a fan attached to the top of my headboard for my bed and it came in handy. Not in the way you think! It put the flames out when the hot bedroom scenes set fire to my Kindle.

I felt so sad for Terri. Recovering from her car crash has taken a long time and she still has a ways to go. Her beautiful leg is so scarred and battered. It’s really knocked her for a loop. And then to have Justin do the dirty with two bimbos just shattered her.

Taking Justin back was a big risk, but I was so happy she did. I felt they belonged together, if they could just move on from the past and forgive.

Justin really screwed things up. He wallowed in self blame and did some stupid crap. Thank God Alexia let him have it and set him on the straight and narrow.

He’s now determined to win Terri back and goes to some really daring lengths to do so.

The author’s writing is so visual, I could see him sneaking into Terri’s house, tiptoeing to her bedroom and softly lying down beside her in the bed.

She bolted up into a sitting position and started yelling.

“Sshh, it’s me, Justin,” I said as I sat up and tried to assure her she was safe.

“No it’s not.”

She swung her fist and hooked me in the jaw. Damn that hurt too.

Good for her. He deserved it. He’s real lucky she didn’t have time to grab the pepper spray hidden under her pillow!

They talked, they haggled, and finally Terri proposed a six month trial period. Justin will have to prove himself or it ends. And with the many following pages, they made up for lost time.


When Terri’s brother, Preston, arrived on the scene, this story took a dark and scary turn. Weird things started happening and it became a mystery to me.

So, we have a hot and steamy romance, a chance to patch things up, and now, a mystery. This is a recipe for a thrilling, hold on to your boot straps, new chapter in The Edge Novels.

I’d hurry up and get your copy! It just released today and you can start reading it tonight! Just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Keep a fan nearby:)

Five Steamy Stars!

You can read about Alexia and Pearce in Edge of Disaster.

Edge of Disaster

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

Description

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Go here to read my review.

About the author and her books.
.

A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.” “Boss, is that you?” “Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?” “Er… right.  Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.” “Why ever would I want to do that?” “Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?” “Sure… Having some car trouble?” “Not at all.  I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.” “WHAT?!” “It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Author links:

   Blog        http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/
   Twitter      http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

Goodreads   http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

Click on images to purchase the books

 The Guardians of Vesturon Series

The Praestani Novels

More books by A. M. Hargrove

 

Related articles

Dracian Legacy Tour ~ Release Day and Giveaway

Posted: February 14, 2013 in giveaways, Humor, New Release, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Romance, Series, Uncategorized, YA
Tags: , , , ,
10

Welcome to my stop on the Dracian Legacy Tour. Theres’s a lot going on –  my review, a hilarious character interview, and an awesome giveaway!

So join the fun and let’s celebrate Priya Kanaparti’s new release Dracian Legacy!

Blog Tour dracian

Is this cover art not stunning!

Lg

goodreads-badge-add-plus

Book Title: The Dracian Legacy – Book 1 (Dracian Legacy Trilogy)

Author: Priya Kanaparti

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

The designer for the cover art is the amazing Regina Wamba at maeidesign.com

Release Date: February 14th, 2013

You can now purchase Dracian Leagacy on Amazon here.

And at Barnes & Noble here.

It’s been a year since Ren’s parents were murdered and she’s still grieving. Luckily, she has her big brother, Joshua, to lean on. Together, they struggle to find their way.

Life does go on though, and Ren is learning to deal with it. Her best friend Pey, along with her boyfriend Landon keep her distracted, when they can keep their hands off each other. And there’s always Dean, her friend from childhood. They shared everything, but lately he’s become stuck on himself since making the varsity football team. Now, he’s irritating and thinks he’s God’s gift to all women.

I have to confess, I usually fall for the bad boy. Especially when he looks as yummy as Dean does.

Hanging out with her gang at the local cafe, she can’t miss the new guy. She senses he’s different, special somehow. She squirms under his gaze.

His brown hair drooped over his eyes and his shirt hugged every ripple and contour of his body. I wondered how long it took God to create that sculpture.

She bumps into him later. I mean really bumps into him when he almost runs her over with his motorcycle.

She has little time to be angry as they are attacked by these things. He quickly dispatches them and gets her safely home.  At least she now has his name. Axel.

The next day, at achool, she sees him again. He talks her into a ride on Dulcea, his bike, and takes her to a cave she’d never known was there. She gasps at the beauty of it. The flowers and trees, and the cascading waterfall make her feel like she’s entered another world.

There, Axel explains about who he is and what attacked them. Ren’s easy belief surprises him.

“God is bipolar,” I said.

“What?” His voice was low and surprised.

“I mean, how can he create something as astonishing as this and also create those things? Goarders, I think you said?” I shuddered, remembering the blood-red eyes, sharp teeth, and snake-like tongues.

It figures. She finally meets a guy she’d date, and it turns out he’s a Dracian, a magical being with special abilities. And his race is at war with another faction, hence the Goarders.

Now she’s caught up in their war and falling in love with Axel. She’s also dealing with the unsolved murder of her parents and a disturbing encounter with her mother’s ghost. That’s a lot for a seventeen year old to cope with.

Axel’s mission to retrieve the Echo turns into a mission to keep them alive. The enemy wants something he has and they will keep on coming until they get it. That thing is Ren, and Axel will stop at nothing to protect the girl he loves.

When I started reading Dracian Legacy I felt like I had stepped into the past. All the way back to highschool. It was fun listening to Ren and her gang as they bantered back and forth.

And the angst she feels when she’s anywhere near Axel makes me remember my first crush. I couldn’t think straight when he was around and the stupidest things would come out of my mouth. Ren’s awkwardness had me chuckling and sighing, remembering when.

Dracian Legacy may be a romance, but don’t forget the war between magical factions.  And the Goarders, you don’t dare forget them. They are just waiting to rip you to shreds.

Once Ren gets dragged into their war, the book takes off and you’re along for a turbulent ride to the end.

I was surprised by how much I liked this story. It’s written for young adults and I didn’t expect to feel a real connection to the characters. I did though. Especiallly to Ren, Axel, and Dean. But I also connected with Joshua, Pey and Landon.

I guess I’m saying, I love a character driven book, and there were so many I enjoyed in this book.

If you like YA paranormal fantasies, with some romance to spice it up, I’d recommend you read Dracian Legacy. I’m curious to see how the characters mature and what they fall into next.

Dracian Legacy and Priya’s characters get Four Stars from me!

I have a special treat for you. Dean, Ren and Axel are here to tell us why each one thinks they are the most important character in Dracian Legacy!

Laura: “So tell me, why do you think you’re the most important character in the book?”

Dean: Well that’s pretty obvious! Without me, there’s no story to tell.

Ren: *rolls eyes and turns toward Dean* Seriously?

Dean: *winks* Yeah, without me you’d be dead from one of those nervous breakdowns you have.  Often.  So, hell yeah. Without me to help you, you’d be lying in a hospital bed unconscious. It’s the truth and don’t  be ashamed to admit it. You. Need. Me. *pokes her shoulder between each word*

Ren: *sticks tongue out* Whatever.

Axel: Dean thinks he’s the center of the universe, so you shouldn’t except anything less from him, Ren.

Dean: Why don’t you two geniuses enlighten us why you think you’re the most important then?

Axel: hmm… I’m not. I’m here to support Ren anyway I can. I’m here to protect her. *shrugs* that’s all that matters.

Dean: *rolls eyes* Seriously, you’re sappier than a fish about to be gutted.  *pivots toward Ren* What’s your ingenious response, Nellie?

Ren: Ha! You should really consider being nice to me, since the story is told from my perspective. Maybe… *raises a challenging eyebrow* I should totally consider removing your sorry behind from the storyline.

Dean: *scoffs* Like you could, even if you tried. You love me too much. *gives eye-blinding grin*

Ren: You’re incorrigible. *shakes head, biting back a smile* Back to the original question, the story revolves around finding the Echo and…

Author Priya: *clears throat*

Ren: Ah, right. You’d just have to read to find out why I am important to the plot, I guess.

Axel: *chuckles*

Dean: Who’s got a big head now? *smiles wickedly*

Ren & Axel: Shut up, Dean!

*chuckles* all around!

Axel: Laura thank you for having us on your blog and we hope you enjoyed reading our story and feel free to let Author, Priya Kanaparti, know if you have any character removal suggestions.

Dean: Yeah, can we get a petition started to get rid of him? *points a thumb in Axel’s direction*

Laura: Thanks ya’ll. I’m not going to say who I think is most important so I can’t be accused of favoritism. Besides, Ren might send a Goarder my way:)

Blog Tour dracian

Giveaway

  1. 3 winners will receive 1 e-book format of Dracian Legacy each
    1.                                                                                        i.      If a winner had already purchased the book, with a proof of purchase, I’ll buy them another book or give a GC of equal or lesser value of their choosing.
  2. 1 winner will receive a $15 GC to Amazon or Barnes and Noble
  3. In addition I’ll continue to add ONE $5 increment GC for every 150 copies of the book (ebook or hardcopy) sold. So for the first 150 copies sold, I’ll add $20 GC, the second 150 copies sold, I’ll add $25 GC, etc… There’s no limit to how many gift cards I add to the giveaway.

To enter go here!

About the author

_MG_3750-1 author dracian

Priya Kanaparti was born in India, grew up in Detroit, and is now living in Boise, ID. She attended Wayne State University for her undergrad degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, and University of Phoenix for her Masters in Business Administration. Priya works as a project manager in software field during the day and lives in the world of her characters during the nights and weekends. She had found the love for reading and writing early this year, when she stayed home with her year old and needed something to occupy those ‘downtime’ hours.

She loves playing tennis on a good summer day and chess during the cold winters, but reading and writing has become a year round hobby.

She lives in Boise with her husband, son and a Yorkie. Dracian Legacy is her debut novel.

Contact information:

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads Author Page

Goodreads Dracian Legacy

Google +

Pinterest

Check out the other blogs in the tour. See what they’re up to.

2/12/2013           

Finding Bliss @ http://laurahoward78.blogspot.com/ – Blog Tour Opening – Being a full time mom

Brit Reads Indie                @ http://brittreadsindie.blogspot.com – AXEL POV

2/13/2013           

Ever and Ever Sight @ http://everandeversight.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

Mythical Books @ http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/ – Book Review

2/14/2013           

Fuonlyknew @ http://fuonlyknew.com – Book Review & Character Interview w/ Ren /Axel /Dean

A Diary Of A Book Addict @ http://www.adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com – Book

2/15/2013           

Crazy Book Chicks @ http://CrazyBookchicks.blogspot.com – Teaser, Character Interview – Tyler, 2 Book Reviews

2/16/2013

Just a booklover @  http://justabooklover.blogspot.com – Review and Character Interview – Dean

2/17/2013           

Say it with Books @ http://nuzsaysitwithbooks.blogspot.com/ – Review/Character Interview – WHO?

The Book Diaries @ www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com – Book Review

2/18/2013           

Writefully So… @ http://adventures-in-word.blogspot.com/  – Author Interview

Books Forget me Knot @ http://emzsnow.wordpress.com – Book Review

2/19/2013           

Kidbits @ http://www.tonjadrecker.blogspot.com – Songs that inspired the story- Playlist

Fantasy Books @ www.justfantasybooksadis.blogspot.com – Prologue

2/20/2013           

I read Indie @   http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/ – Author Interview – Top 10

The Library Haunt @ http://thelibraryhaunt.blogspot.in/ – Book Review

2/21/2013           

The Book Goddess @ http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

Read 2 Review @ http://read2review.com/ – Promo Post

2/22/2013           

Little Hyuts @   http://www.littlehyuts.blogspot.com – Book Review and Teaser

Page Turner Book Tours @ http://pageturnerbooktours.blogspot.co.uk/ – Promo Post

2/23/2013           

Gathering Leaves @ http://www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

GMTA UK @ http://gmtauk.blogspot.co.uk/ – Promo Post

2/24/2013           

Micalea Smeltzer @ http://micaleasmeltzer.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

GMTA Paranormal/Young Adult/New Adult http://gmtaparanormalyanewadult.blogspot.co.uk/ – Promo Post

2/25/2013           

K-Books @ http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

Ramblings of a Book Junkie @ http://ramblingsofabookjunkie.blogspot.com/ – Chapter 1 Part 1

2/26/2013           

Passionate Book Divas @ http://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/ – C.I by C Interview – Axel Interviews Dean and Book review

Books Over Boys @ http://www.booksoverboys.blogspot.com/ – Deleted Scene – Axel and Ren before wedding

2/27/2013           

Words Escape Me @ http://www.kristonjohnson.blogspot.com – Rotten Eggs – Excerpt

Belle of the Literati @ http://belleoftheliterati.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

2/28/2013           

Books, Books, & More Books @ http://theshortone08.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

Official Author Blog of Elisabeth Wheatley @ http://elisabethwheatley.wordpress.com/ – Book Review

3/1/2013             

A Life Among the Pages @ http://alifeamongthepages.wordpress.com/ – Action – Excerpt

Lucky Books @  http://luckybooks12.wordpress.com/ – Teaser, Promo Post, and Maybe fan art

3/2/2013

Books Over Boys @ http://www.booksoverboys.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

The writerly Exploits of Mara Valderran @ http://maravalderran.blogspot.com – Author Interview

3/3/2013             

My Pathway to Books @ http://tessmw.blogspot.com – Book Review

Emma Hart’s Blog @ http://emmahart93.blogspot.com – Promo Post

3/4/2013             

Tiffany Loves Books @  http://Tiffanylovesbooks.wordpress.com – Book Review

Active Amateur Chef @                http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com/ – Book Review

3/5/2013             

Beth Ann Masarik @ http://www.bethannmasarik.com – Romance – Excerpt

The Book Goddess @ http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.com/ – Character Interview – WHO?

3/6/2013             

My Guilty Obsession @ http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/ – Chapter 1- Part 2

3/7/2013             

Musings of a Writing Reader @                http://triciakristufek.com/ – Guest Post – Making of 3 main characters

Just a booklover @ http://justabooklover.blogspot.com – DEAN POV

3/8/2013             

The Eyes for Editing @ www.theeyesforediting.com – Author Interview

Whispers at Moonlight @ http://whispersatmoonlight.wordpress.com/ – Book Review

3/9/2013             

Cece’s Reading and Writing Safari @ http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/ – Character Interview – Ren, Axel, and Dean

3/10/2013           

Sab The Book Eater @ http://sabthebookeater.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

3/11/2013           

Young Adult and Teen Readers @ http://www.facebook.com/YaTeenReaders – Book Review

3/12/2013           

Reviewing What I read @ http://reviewingwhatimreading.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

Book Reviews and More @ http://theramblingsofabook-a-holic.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

3/13/2013           

Devyn’s Thoughts About Books @ http://devyn-dawson.blogspot.com – Author Interview

3/14/2013           

Juliana Haygert @ http://www.julianahaygert.com/blognews/ – Author Interview

3/15/2013           

Book Wyrming Thoughts @ http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/ – Book Review

K-Books @  http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/ – Blog Tour Closing, Deleted Scene – Chapter 18

Joie De Lire         http://joie-joiedelire.blogspot.com/     Waiting on Response

Novel Nexus Reviews    http://novelnexusreviews.blogspot.com            Waiting on Response

Related articles

From the Edge of Disaster ~ Into the Fire!

Posted: February 12, 2013 in Adult Fiction, Humor, reviews, Romance, Series
Tags: , , , , ,
15

First off, check out this cover art! Is it not delicious?

Edge of Disaster

goodreads-badge-add-plus

Now that your done drooling over the cover, I’ll tell you about the story.

Alexia’s hit rock bottom. Too much booze and drugs and bad moves.

Her best friend, Terri, has had enough of her crap.

“Shit Lex. What’d ya do now?”

Terri loves Lex, but enough is enough.

“I won’t say a word other than this shit has got to stop. You’re going to end up dead one day.”

Alexia takes a long, hard look at herself, facing some really ugly memories of crazy, dangerous situations she’s been in. She makes a promise to Terri and to herself. This stops now.

She lives in a carriage house, working part-time for the owner, Lisbeth, a blue-haired dynamo, and waitresses nights at an upscale restaurant.

One night, when Alexia arrives at work, she finds she’s working a large party from the Medical University.

She methodically works the group, taking orders, when a voice causes her to look up from her order pad into a set of smoky gray eyes. She keeps looking, completing her examination of his face and feels a stirring inside herself, an awakening, like from a deep sleep.

Quickly getting a grip, she works the group, trying to keep it together. It seems he was going out of his way to monopolize her attention. And it was working. Boy, was it ever.

The evening ends smoothly and smoky eyes, Pearce, makes a point of thanking her and giving her a hefty tip along with his card. Written on the back, “Please call me. I’d like to take you out to dinner some time. PM

Alexia turns the card over. Whoa. He’s a trauma surgeon. She keeps the card, but doesn’t plan on calling him. He doesn’t need to get involved with her. She’s a wreck and not ready to date anyone yet.

She nonchalantly asks Lisbeth if she knew the Middleton’s. Turns out Pearce is the grandson of her close friend, Avery.

Lisbeth cares a lot about Alexia, would like to see her get out there and live again, move on from the past. She’s going to have to give Avery a call.

Fate steps in and Alexia bumps into Pearce and after much cajoling by him, agrees to have drinks. His smoky eyes entrance her and his sultry voice and charm seduce her.

He had a perfectly beautiful smile on his face and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“What?” he asked.

“What what?” I tried to deflect his question.

“What’s that look about?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize I had a look.” Now only the corner of his mouth turned up. I wanted to sit on his lap and run my fingers through his hair and kiss that corner of his mouth.

“What?”

“What? Me?”

“Yeah you. You had  a look on your face.”

I was grinning ear to ear while reading this part and there’s plenty more.

She refuses to go on a date. Giving no explanation. Inside, she feels unworthy, dirty. Her shaded past rises up to haunt her. So they part ways, leaving Pearce frustrated and determined.

As Alexia is walking down the street, she’s viciously assaulted and when she comes to, she’s tied and gagged, with no idea where she is. She hurts all over. Voices from the other room grow closer. They enter the room and from their lewd comments she knows she’s about to be raped. One advantage she has is they have to untie her legs to do that and when they do she unleashes everything she’s got. Kicking and thrashing, she’s not going to just lie there and take it. Finally, one of them’s had enough and knocks her out.

When she comes to, she’s in an ambulance being rushed to the hospital. They just dumped her on the side of the road and some strangers found her and called for help. She has a skull fracture, broken wrist, fractured ribs, a ruptured spleen, and two stab wounds.

Pearce can’t believe his eyes when they rush her into the ER. He should never have let her walk away earlier. Now look at her. As he’s emotionally involved, he has another surgeon do the surgery but does what he promised Alexia. He holds her hand all through the procedure.

Pearce is a goner, just doesn’t know it yet.

“There was something about her that I couldn’t get out of my mind. The way she walked, talked, moved, everything. I just wish she’d give me a fucking chance and I’d show her the world.”

Yep. He’s a goner!

So, the romance begins. Alexia moves on, finally able to push aside her feelings of unworthiness and forgive herself about Peter’s death. They were arguing because she didn’t want to get married. She stormed off and got in her car. Peter followed and they were shouting and screaming at each other when she lost control of the car and it crashed. She survived, but Peter didn’t. Her own family blamed her and shunned her when she needed them most.

This explains her slide to the bottom, but now Alexia has found love again, with sexy, smoky eyes, Pearce.

I had so much fun meeting Pearce’s family. His parents are as gooey eyed over each other as the day they met and his brother, Justin, another hunk, is sarcastic and funny. My kind of guy.

Wait until you meet Terri, Alexia’s best friend. She puts herself out there. No wallflower there. And fierce, like a tiger, when it comes to Alex. Pearce will have to pass her inspection.

Who wouldn’t want someone like Pearce. He’s so loving and supportive of Alexia and Lord help the one who hurts her.

Alexia may have done some stupid things, but who hasn’t. Her crappy family just used and dumped her and if it weren’t for Terri, she may well have died.

This isn’t a sweet little romance. Dark things happen. But then there’s the well placed humor to lighten the mood, and the smoldering, sensuous, beyond the bedroom door, scenes will leave you gasping.

 While I became so distracted in this delicious romance, I kind of forgot some of the other stuff and got so damned mad in one part! The author doesn’t leave anything unanswered and I wish I could express myself better. I felt Alexia’s shame, hopelessness, and desperation along with her euphoria and glee.

A scene I loved.

“You’re spectacular. You’ve a mouth made for kissing and a body made for love. You’re the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen. You’re skin is like silk…so soft and smooth and your hair. Dark chocolate…to match your eyes. Warm and inviting. You’re ravishing. And you’ve charmed the pants off me. See?”

Hotter than molten lava, with depth and loveable characters. Five Stars from me!

On Valentines Day I’ll be back to tell you about Shattered Edge.  It’s Terri’ story, but you’ll get to see Alex and Pearce again!

Feast your eyes on this!

17339105

Description

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Mark your calendar. Shattered Edge releases on Valentines Day!

About the author and her books.
.

A.M. Hargrove

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life.  So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase.  Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head.  Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window.   She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.” “Boss, is that you?” “Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?” “Er… right.  Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.” “Why ever would I want to do that?” “Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?” “Sure… Having some car trouble?” “Not at all.  I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.” “WHAT?!” “It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks.  Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Author links:

   Blog        http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com/
   Twitter      http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1

Goodreads   http://www.goodreads.com/amhargrove1

Click on images to purchase the books

 The Guardians of Vesturon Series

The Praestani Novels

More books by A. M. Hargrove

  Coming Feb. 14th. Shattered Edge. Just in time for a valentine!

Related articles

Reveal ~ Shattered Edge by A.M. Hargrove

Posted: February 8, 2013 in Cover Reveal, Excerpt, Humor, Mytery/Thriller, New Release, Romance, suspense
Tags: , , ,
7

Yummy! Yummy! I can’t wait to read the newest release from A.M. Hargrove!

Feast your eyes on this!

Shattered Edge

Description

Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned…

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him…six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done.

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.

Excerpt

Terri

My best friend was getting married in ten minutes. I was about to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor and I’d never been so nervous in my entire life. My palms were pretty much dripping water and I only hoped my dress wasn’t stained beneath my arms, because I was sure that about right now I was having massive antiperspirant failure. I had practiced walking in these shoes for two solid weeks at physical therapy. My therapists had convinced me (I actually made them pinky swear to me) that I could do this. At this moment I was quite certain that they had fed me some boldfaced lies. I knew when I took my first few steps, that I would stumble, then my bad leg would give out, and I would go rolling instead of walking down that aisle.

Crap in a handbasket!

I looked at Tana, the wedding director, and she nodded, signaling it was my turn. My grip tightened on my bouquet of fresh cut flowers. I was surprised the damn stems weren’t crushed by now. No doubt my fingers would be green by the time the ceremony was over.

My left foot went out, followed by my right. Okay, I had this. I repeated this mantra…left, right, left, right, until I was up at the altar and taking my place next to the spot where Lexi would stand.

I smiled and I’m sure it reached my ears, because I swear I could feel my earrings tickling my cheeks. Then I forgot the promise I made to myself. I totally blanked out because I was so excited about the stupid fact that I had made it down the aisle without looking gimpy. I let my eyes wander across the altar and damn if they didn’t land directly on him.

Shiz!

He looked like the dude in the Ralph Lauren Polo ad…tall dark and alluring. Dressed in a black tux, he was perfect. Justin Middleton, brother of the groom and best man…my heartbreaking nemesis.  I suppose nemesis is relatively harsh, but heartbreaker isn’t. I had dreaded this day now for months. I should be happy for Lexi…she’d been my bestie since freshman year at UVA. But I was pulling the selfish card today. I tried not to, but everything I did was useless. I pasted a smile back on my face and jerked my head to the back of the church so I could watch Lexi walk down the aisle.

Damn, that girl looked gorgeous. Her dress was really something. I’d never seen a bride where anything close to that. Originality…pure and simple. Her dress had an illusion neckline, making it appear sleeveless and off the shoulders, when it actually had sheer fabric that afforded a boat neckline. The dress was fitted and had fabric beads sewn onto it until it hit mid thigh where it was covered in layers of chiffon and stiff ribbon, giving it a totally off the charts look. And she was getting married in the church every Charlestonian would give their left hand…hell their right hand too…to get married in. St. Phillips was the church on every Charleston postcard ever made. You had to be connected to get married there. And the Middletons were certainly connected. Hell, they were Charleston. South of Broad, blue blooded born and bred. Lexi sure lucked out here.

And Pearce…didn’t he look yummy? Not nearly as yummy as Justin, but girls all over South Carolina would be grieving today because one of the most eligible bachelors, not to mention one of the wealthiest, was getting hitched.  Once again, Lexi sure lucked out. But if anyone deserved it, Lexi did.

Now, I sure wish the show could get a move on, because I would love for this thing to get the hell over with. I only had enough plastic smiles to last for a certain amount of time and once they ran out, I was gonna have to hit the road.  I hated to be so snarky about this, but I couldn’t stand around with this happy assed face when I was cracking to pieces on the inside.

The happy couple said their vows and damn it all, I started crying. Thank God the Tana gave us a list with a bag at the rehearsal last night, which included waterproof mascara and eyeliner, or I would’ve looked like Rocky raccoon, resident maid of honor and side kick to Bullwinkle. Yeah, this was gonna be fun.

Now, I had to look forward to picture time and more plastic smiles. I pulled up my bootstraps and watched as Lexi and Pearce walked down the aisle as Dr. and Mrs. Middleton. Oh good lord, they looked so happy. I really couldn’t help the true smile that formed then, because looking at them made me believe in it all…their love was nothing short of bursting from them.

I heard a throat clearing and looked up to see Justin waiting with his arm bent. I’d been so engrossed in watching the happy couple, I’d forgotten I had to walk arm in arm with him.

Well, isn’t this a crap storm?

I didn’t have time to prepare myself. When I put my hand on his arm, I felt the jolt all the way to my toes. I forced myself to look at my feet, when all I wanted to do was to fall into his eyes…his perfectly gorgeous eyes. Lexi always called Pearce, Smoky Eyes, because he had gray eyes. Well, Justin’s were gray too, but his were the color of the sea, right before a storm hit. Deep, dark bluish gray and every time I looked at them I was pulled into their depths…just like I would imagine the sea as it would call to me.  Mysterious, with things unknown lurking below the surface. That was Justin. Beautiful and sometimes frightening because he made me feel things I’d never felt before.

He leaned his tall frame down to my smaller one so he could whisper to me, “You were perfect when you walked down the aisle, Terri. You made me proud.”

That caused my head to jerk up. I shouldn’t have done that because my eyes landed right on his. And there I was, falling into them…deeply, dramatically, and yes, painfully.

“God, you’re beautiful.” Three simple words that nearly made me cry. I felt my lower lip tremble, but forced myself to smile instead.

“Thanks. You clean up pretty good yourself,” my voice trembled.

He smiled and it felt like someone lifted all the blinds and curtains in the church. The light just entered and blazed around him. He was that kind of beautiful. I knew I needed to get away from him. That’s the sort of effect he had on me.

Suddenly, I was back there again…last March.

“Ms. Mitchell, we’re taking you into surgery. You were in a car accident and your leg was broken. We’re going to fix you right up.”

Car accident? Where was Justin? Was he okay? Surgery? The next thing I knew I woke up again in a room and there were my mom and dad.

Several surgeries later, that damn wheelchair, physical therapy and Justin…Justin. God, why couldn’t I forget him? Things had been moving along so well until that wreck. All those surgeries and he couldn’t stop blaming himself. And then Lexi catching him with those two girls and my heart nearly breaking. Yeah, my leg had been broken and I’d been left with a twisted mass of scars, but my heart was the one that felt more damaged.

We reached the back of the church and were whisked off to the side by Tana and the photographer to where pictures would be taken. I was hoping they could put this thing on fast forward, get to the reception, have a little face time with Lexi and get the heck outta Dodge. That was my plan anyway.

Picture after picture and tons of pasted smiles later (I hope Lex didn’t shoot my ass when she saw these pictures), we finally hopped in the limos and left for the reception at the Charleston Yacht and Harbor Club.

I mingled with some of the guests, and made my way around to chat with Lexi and Pearce for a while, but before long, the throbbing in my leg and the aches and pains, had me hunting a chair. I spied one back in the corner so I walked, or at least gave my best imitation of one, over to it and blew out a huge puff of air when the weight left that leg. I was happy Lexi had approved the long dresses that we wore since they hid the scars that covered my disfigured limb. I absently rubbed it, like I often did, wishing for a huge bag of ice.  They ought to invent Spanx you could cram an ice bag into for people like me. Maybe I could join forces with the Spanx lady and we could come out with Spanx on Ice. I bet those professional ice skaters would love that! We could even make a version for hockey players.

“You must have something terrifically funny on your mind by the look on your face.”

That voice of his made me want to strip off every thread of clothing and run naked through the streets yelling, “Take me, take me!” Crap! What kind of sexy did that man have working?

“I guess so. I was thinking about a joint venture with the Spanx lady.  We could call it Spanx on Ice.”

“What?” he asked, bewilderment clouding his eyes.

“You know…for my leg.”

“Oh.” He smiled, nodded and acted like he was with me. I knew better from his odd expression.  He didn’t get it at all.

“Do you even know what Spanx are?”

“No clue.”

I burst out laughing. “Never mind then. They’re something no man should ever know about.”

“Hmm, now I’m intrigued.”

“Oh God! Don’t be.” The last thing I needed was for Justin Middleton to see me in a pair of Spanx.

Mother of God save me now!

This sounds like another great story from A.M. Hargrove! Mark your calendar. Shattered Edge is due to be released on Valentine’s Day!

You can read about Lexi and Pearce in Edge of Disaster.

Edge of Disaster

goodreads-badge-add-plus for awaken

Description

Alexia Hammond, broken and destroyed by a tragedy she can’t seem to recover from, is on a downward spiral toward destruction. A life of partying, alcohol, drugs and men has brought her near the edge of disaster. That is until one night while at work as a waitress in an upscale restaurant, she falls under the spell of one of her customers, Pearce Middleton. Once she gazes into his smoky gray eyes, her life takes on new meaning. But can she put her past behind her and allow herself to fall for the exciting and gorgeous Pearce, or will her lewd behavior come back to haunt her and ruin her chances of happiness forever?

Teaser

He had a perfectly beautiful smile on his face and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“What?” he asked.
“What what?” I tried to deflect his question.
“What’s that look about?”
“Oh, I didn’t realize I had a look.” Now only one corner of his mouth turned up. I wanted to sit on his lap and run my fingers through his hair and kiss that corner of his mouth.
“What?”
“What? Me?”
“Yeah you. You had a look on your face.”
I was grinning from ear to ear while reading this part. Loving every minute of this book! And the cover art. Whoa!!

I’ve just finished reading this and will be posting my review soon!

I can’t decide which cover I love more! How about you?

For all things A.M. Hargrove go here.

A.M. Hargrove

Two Cozy Mysteries and a Giveaway!

Posted: February 7, 2013 in Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Humor, reviews, Series, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , , ,
8
Welcome to my stop on this wonderful tour hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer!
I have not one, but two novellas to tell you about, so grab your favorite beverage and snuggle in while I tell you about these two cozy mysteries.
Almost forgot to mention the Giveaway ! Yep, you can win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash! Link to enter is at the bottom of this post.
.
Three Sisters and Showstoppers by Helen Smith

Three Sisters and Showstoppers are two novella-length stories in the Emily Castles mystery series. The first full-length novel, Invitation to Die, will be published by Thomas & Mercer in October 2013.

The Emily Castles mystery series is set in present-day London. It features twenty-six-year-old Londoner Emily Castles and her neighbor, eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel Crowther. In Three Sisters, Emily goes to a party in a big house at the end of her street. She’s sure she witnesses a murder, but no one will believe her. She teams up with Dr. Muriel to investigate.

In Showstoppers, Emily helps out at a local stage school run by her neighbor, Victoria. Soon she’s mixed up in a blackmail plot and two deaths. Emily and Dr. Muriel team up to prevent further a massacre live on stage during the end of term show.

My Review of Showstoppers

Showstoppers is the second chapter in The Emily Castle Mysteries.

When Emily discovers she’s mistakenly received a letter for her neighbor Victoria, she does the good neighbor thing and walks it over to her. The response she gets is surprising.

“Oh God, no!” said Victoria.

Victoria explains she has been receiving these anonymous threatening letters. She thinks they may be from an ex-boyfriend, but Emily is doubtful.

The author has a colorful cast of characters in this cozy mystery.  She leads you down many paths to discover who is writing the letters.

I had a really fun time meeting the cast of characters and trying to guess who did it.

See if you can spot the clues. How are your sleuthing skills?

When you read Showstoppers you’ll be drawn into  this mystery to the surprising end.

Four Stars for setting the stage!

Praise for the Emily Castles Mystery Series

Fast-paced, funny, and mysterious… Helen Smith is a master story-teller.

~Socrates Book Reviews

It grips you from the very beginning.

~Babs Books Bistro

Bright, colorful and full of surprises.

~Amazon Vine Reviewer

Fast-paced and unusual, I highly recommend this one.

My Review of Three Sisters

Three Sisters is the first chapter in The Emily Castle Mysteries.

Emily decides she will go to the bonfire party at the end of her block. She has nothing pressing and really needs to get out of the house.

The party is a combination of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, where people dress up in costumes. At this party the participants each have a role they play and the guests are there as observers only.

The knife throwing event draws a large crowd. As the two woman throw their knives back and forth, one of them is struck in the chest.

Panic ensues and the police are summoned. Shortly after they arrive, the crowd begins to cheer. When Emily gets to the front of the crowd she sees the dead girl standing and smiling, displaying the prop, a rubber knife. It was all part of the performance, or was it?

Emily had seen the light go out of the girl’s eyes. She was certain she had died.

I really enjoyed Three Sisters and became quite fond of Emily Castle. I dove right in and started digging for clues, going down wrong paths, suspecting everyone, and finally getting to the truth.

This author does an excellent job giving you a fun and intriguing mystery to solve in a short, easy read. I know I’ll be watching for more about Emily Castle and her adventures.

Four Stars for this performance!

~Eva’s Sanctuary
Praise for Helen Smith

Smith is gin-and-tonic funny.

~The Booklist

Purchase

Author Helen Smith

Helen Smith is a novelist and playwright who lives in London. She’s the author of bestselling cult novels Alison Wonderland, Being Light and The Miracle Inspector as well as the Emily Castles Mystery Series.

Amazon * Facebook *  Twitter * Blog
.
.
Tour Schedule

BookBlast $50 Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/22/13

Click on the link below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you and Good Luck!

Winner! Glory Alley and The Star Riders!

Posted: February 6, 2013 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, Humor, Science Fiction, Winners!
Tags: , ,
8

Winners! Winners! I have Winners!

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the good times roll!

It’s that time again. Time to announce the winners.

The winner of the paperback of Glory Alley and The Star Riders by C. Deanna Verhoff is:

Janna

Congratulations!

All winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

I do love reading them and hope you continue to visit fuonlyknew!

Thanks so much to C. Deanna Verhoff for her wonderful book and for letting me host her giveaway.

*****For all of my giveaways go here*****

I’d love to keep telling ya’ll about some really great books.

Subscribe by email and lets talk!

Click on image to purchase.

Go here  for my review.

Related articles
Older Entries
Newer Entries